Cult Of LunaSomewhere Along the Highway

Its not the first time Ive said this, but music like Cult of Luna (or Isis, or Neurosis) is just so difficult to digest its hard to want to absorb it more than once a month or so. But I love the stuff  this idea of metal as art becoming clearer with each release by that trio of biggies. With this latest, Swedens seven-piece Cult of Luna prove they are without a doubt up there with the main players of this difficult micro-genre. With the requisite long songs, penchant for drama, slugged-out tempos and the expected experimentation, these guys manage to add in a whole lot of personality, and a vibe that is more of the city, more modern urban alienation versus Neurosis lost in the wilderness paranoia. With a great sounding banjo making a welcome appearance, this album does sound a lot like the bands last. But add in some creepy, near-Tom Waits moments in the excellently-titled "And with Her Came the Birds and more of the vibe that only this band create in "Dim  arguably the centrepiece of the album  and it becomes clear that it really wouldnt matter if these guys just released the exact same album over and over again. (Theyre good enough that itd be worth buying every time.) By the time the 15-minute closer, "Dark City Dead Man, hits, the feeling is not unlike a great work of fiction ending  a bit of sadness its over, but a life enriched, and a lurking excitement about repeating the experience.
(Earache)